The following is a guest post from Rick Console, a New Jersey personal injury attorney from Console and Hollawell, PC.
A recent study reported that in 2010, there were 34 deadly dog attacks in the United States; many of the victims were young boys between 5 and 9-years-old. Dog bites can be avoided if the proper precautions are taken when around an unfamiliar or violent dog.
Basic Rules
• Never approach a dog you do not know.
• If the dog is restrained, fenced in, or if there is a "Beware of Dog" sign that should serve as an added warning to keep your distance.
• Do not attempt to touch a dog before it sees and sniffs you. You do not want to do anything that could be perceived as a threat by the dog. This also means that you should not wake a dog, interrupt it's meal, or approach a nursing dog.
These are all good rules to follow to avoid a violent situation; however, they are not one hundred percent effective. If you still find yourself in danger of being attacked by a dog then there are several steps you need to take.
When Faced with a Violent Dog
• Stay calm! The situation will not improve if you panic because you are more apt to make rash decisions without thinking.
• Stay still. If a dog approaches you in a threatening or violent manner try to remain still. The dog may lose interest and walk away. It is also very important that you don't run away because the dog's natural instinct will be to chase you.
• If the dog goes to bite you, try to feed it something else. Take any loose article you have be it a purse, jacket, umbrella, etc. and try to get the dog to latch on that instead. You may lose your purse, but it's better than losing a limb.
• If the dog knocks you to the ground or if you fall, curl up into the fetal position with your hands over your ears and remain still. This is the best position to make injuries less severe.
After the attack it is important to first seek medical attention. If you can you should also call the police so that a report can be filed. Once your injuries are tended to you should take photos of all the wounds sustained during the attack. You should give as much information as possible to the police after the attack. Be sure to describe the dog as much as you can (how big, what breed, was it wearing tags, etc). If you know the owner of the dog, ask to see the animal's rabies certificate, and find out if the dog has been violent before. You may also want to contact your local animal control to report the attack.
New Jersey Law
In New Jersey, owners are liable for any injuries sustained from their dog. This is the case even if the dog has not been violent in the past. To learn more about the dog bite law speak with a personal injury lawyer in NJ. Most homeowner's insurance provides coverage for dog bites, but you should consult with a injury lawyer to be sure you receive full, deserved compensation.
Each state has different laws when it comes to the owner's liability, so be sure to speak with a dog bite lawyer in your state to learn about your rights and legal options.
